How I Discovered Pilates

A Dancer’s Journey to Precision and Strength

In 1980, while training at the Martha Graham School in New York, I struggled with precision—something every dancer strives for. One of my teachers noticed and suggested something I’d never heard of before: Pilates.

Curious, I followed the recommendation and found myself at Carola Trier’s studio. At the time, I had no idea she was a legend—one of the first to open a Contrology studio with Joseph Pilates’ blessing. But the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the difference.

Her studio wasn’t just a place to work out; it was a sanctuary. Professional dancers moved with quiet intensity, and the dressing room even had a foot wash—a small but powerful reminder that discipline was in every detail. Every session challenged me in a new way. I learned to move with control, to engage muscles I never knew existed, and to find a deeper connection to my body. Pilates wasn’t just an exercise—it was a tool that transformed the way I danced.

The results came quickly. My movement became more precise, my strength improved, and my confidence grew. Just six months after stepping into Trier’s studio, I earned a scholarship with the Martha Graham Dance Company—an opportunity that shaped the rest of my career.

Looking back, Pilates was the missing piece in my training. It gave me an edge as a dancer, and even now, it remains a foundation in everything I do. Whether you’re a dancer, an athlete, or just someone looking to move better, I can say from experience—Pilates has the power to transform your body and the way you move.